ATAR Notes: Forum

National Education => Admissions tests => Selective Schools Admissions Tests => Topic started by: The Progenitor on June 12, 2019, 06:18:11 pm

Title: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: The Progenitor on June 12, 2019, 06:18:11 pm
Given that we have less than 3 days before we sit the test, is there any valuable advice in terms of study, relaxation or general tips that any past test sitters can give for us?

Personally I've been relaxing pretty much for this whole 'pre-exam' period. I don't think cramming and studying hard will serve much use this late in the game.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 12, 2019, 06:20:19 pm
Given that we have less than 3 days before we sit the test, is there any valuable advice in terms of study, relaxation or general tips that any past test sitters can give for us?

Personally I've been relaxing pretty much for this whole 'pre-exam' period. I don't think cramming and studying hard will serve much use this late in the game.

Tbh, I haven’t even studied much for the test, a hour a day for the past month or so is about it. Good luck, what’s ur seat number?
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: yvngblxd on June 12, 2019, 06:32:31 pm
what test are u guys talking about?
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 12, 2019, 06:38:31 pm
what test are u guys talking about?
The selective entry exam to get admission into schools such as Melbourne High, Macrobertson Girls, Nossal High and Suzanne Cory. The test is this Saturday(year 9 entry), and the test for year 10 entry was today.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: cloudyy on June 12, 2019, 09:34:48 pm
Given that we have less than 3 days before we sit the test, is there any valuable advice in terms of study, relaxation or general tips that any past test sitters can give for us?

Personally I've been relaxing pretty much for this whole 'pre-exam' period. I don't think cramming and studying hard will serve much use this late in the game.


Hi! Personally at this point, I dont think studying new things will help you much so just go over things you've learnt so far but go memorise some useful vocabs you could use in your writing! Make sure you relax, just don't be too tense but don't go completely off at the same time? Also most people already know this but please, when you're filling out the answer sheet and you don't know the answers to some questions, DONT LEAVE IT BLANK :(((( take a guess and fill it in pleaseplease I've seen people leaving almost half of the answer sheet blank and it kills me :( Hope I see you guys next year in school and everything goes well! good luck <3
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 12, 2019, 09:40:02 pm
Given that we have less than 3 days before we sit the test, is there any valuable advice in terms of study, relaxation or general tips that any past test sitters can give for us?

Personally I've been relaxing pretty much for this whole 'pre-exam' period. I don't think cramming and studying hard will serve much use this late in the game.


Hey, I'm quite new to atart notes, so I'm not even sure where this will go, but I did the selective exam last year but sadly failed cuz I'm dumb aha. But I got some tips. I also did the year 10 entrance exam today and it was surprisingly easier than year 9 for some reason ( but of course me been me had to f it up, smh) . Last year for year 9 entrance, the maths and the numerical was absolute bullshit. The practice exams online were a complete joke compared to the real exam. For the year 10, the maths was quite easy and most people finished.

For the year 10 entrance we got a creative today. I'm not sure if it will be the same for year 9's but I feel that you guys might get a creative too. Idk doe, cuz I'm honestly the last person you should take advice from, ahah but yeh. (Don't trust it, Edu test is unexpected)
Our prompt for today was some pictures of a building and 2 quotes and 1 phrase. I struggled with this tbh. I bet I'll get a below or something.

Anyways one of the main tips I can give you is to seriously control your nerves. Pls, I seriously cannot stress this enough. I totally mucked up my reading comprehension test today because of nerves. When you are nervous you can't comprehend what you are reading. Do not think about other people. Do not even look at other people. I'm serious. I'm saying this from experience, because i looked up and the person next to  me was already finished and it just stressed me out soooo much. I know it's easier said than done but pls find a way somehow.

During the 10 minute planning time, write down all your ideas, arguments, evidence, vocab words that you really want to include in your writing.  You will get 3 A4 pages worth of writing paper and about 1/4 of a page to plan. <------- this is what happened with us today, it could be different for you guys. 

Also, if you guys get a creative. Pls do not do an obvious story. Try writing something sentimental (Examiners love emotional stories) Also if it fits the prompt, try writing in an animals perspective or an object like a pencil. You will score well for creativity as I doubt  many people would do that. Use the prompt metaphorically if you can. But most importantly, do something you are comfortable with.

When there's one day left, pls do not cram anything as this will stress you out more. Read a book or something. Revise lightly but do not do any heavy study. AND make sure to wear gloves or something cuz it's really cold and I couldn't even feel my fingers when i got inside the building last year. Last years creative and persuasive was not that hard. But due to the increase in time, they could possibly make it harder this year. Not sure, but just be prepared for everything.

If you muck up one test. FORGET IT!!!! If it was really hard, most likely other people might have found it difficult too. FOCUS ON YOURSELF AND ONLY YOURSELF DURING THE TEST. Also when they call out 5 minutes, skim through the paper and answer easier questions you see. Last year for the reading comp, there were some of those "choose the option with the correct punctuation" stuff at the back.

The space you have to do the test is quite small so only take out the stuff that is required. Keep in mind some of the staff will go around and place your next test on your desk half way through each test which will limit the space even more.  --- does that even make sense?,  excuse my grammar

I'm really sorry, i bet you guys already know all these stuff and some of these information may not even matter to you. I really hope you guys get in as the school is honestly so beautiful.

Also, this is random  but --- we got the word 'obsequious' for the verbal reasoning test today. AHha, sorry I just wanna be useful smh.

You guys are all capable of passing and i wish you all the best.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 12, 2019, 09:57:20 pm
Hey, I'm quite new to atart notes, so I'm not even sure where this will go, but I did the selective exam last year but sadly failed cuz I'm dumb aha. But I got some tips. I also did the year 10 entrance exam today and it was surprisingly easier than year 9 for some reason ( but of course me been me had to f it up, smh) . Last year for year 9 entrance, the maths and the numerical was absolute bullshit. The practice exams online were a complete joke compared to the real exam. For the year 10, the maths was quite easy and most people finished.

For the year 10 entrance we got a creative today. I'm not sure if it will be the same for year 9's but I feel that you guys might get a creative too. Idk doe, cuz I'm honestly the last person you should take advice from, ahah but yeh. (Don't trust it, Edu test is unexpected)
Our prompt for today was some pictures of a building and 2 quotes and 1 phrase. I struggled with this tbh. I bet I'll get a below or something.

Anyways one of the main tips I can give you is to seriously control your nerves. Pls, I seriously cannot stress this enough. I totally mucked up my reading comprehension test today because of nerves. When you are nervous you can't comprehend what you are reading. Do not think about other people. Do not even look at other people. I'm serious. I'm saying this from experience, because i looked up and the person next to  me was already finished and it just stressed me out soooo much. I know it's easier said than done but pls find a way somehow.

During the 10 minute planning time, write down all your ideas, arguments, evidence, vocab words that you really want to include in your writing.  You will get 3 A4 pages worth of writing paper and about 1/4 of a page to plan. <------- this is what happened with us today, it could be different for you guys. 

Also, if you guys get a creative. Pls do not do an obvious story. Try writing something sentimental (Examiners love emotional stories) Also if it fits the prompt, try writing in an animals perspective or an object like a pencil. You will score well for creativity as I doubt  many people would do that. Use the prompt metaphorically if you can. But most importantly, do something you are comfortable with.

When there's one day left, pls do not cram anything as this will stress you out more. Read a book or something. Revise lightly but do not do any heavy study. AND make sure to wear gloves or something cuz it's really cold and I couldn't even feel my fingers when i got inside the building last year. Last years creative and persuasive was not that hard. But due to the increase in time, they could possibly make it harder this year. Not sure, but just be prepared for everything.

If you muck up one test. FORGET IT!!!! If it was really hard, most likely other people might have found it difficult too. FOCUS ON YOURSELF AND ONLY YOURSELF DURING THE TEST. Also when they call out 5 minutes, skim through the paper and answer easier questions you see. Last year for the reading comp, there were some of those "choose the option with the correct punctuation" stuff at the back.

The space you have to do the test is quite small so only take out the stuff that is required. Keep in mind examiners will go around and place your next test on your desk half way through each test which will limit the space even more.

I'm really sorry, i bet you guys already know all these stuff. (Also excuse my grammar) and some of these information may not even matter to you. I really hope you guys get in as the school is honestly so beautiful.

Also, this is random  but --- we got the word 'obsequious' for the verbal reasoning test today. AHha, sorry I just wanna be useful smh.

You guys are all capable of passing and i wish you all the best.
Creative? Holy shit I was taking a gamble and wanted it to be persuasive as I’m good at that lol, thanks for the tips and hope u get in!! Also, how much paper did we get for working out in maths? Thanks!
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 12, 2019, 10:05:25 pm
Creative? Holy shit I was taking a gamble and wanted it to be persuasive as I’m good at that lol, thanks for the tips and hope u get in!! Also, how much paper did we get for working out in maths? Thanks!

AYY MAN OMG. I'm not 100% sure if it will be creative for you guys doe. I'm really not certain, cuz creative is just what the year 10 entrance people got, it could be different for you. You actually do not get any working out paper and you have to use the back of your answer sheet. I know it's a pain. You are obviously not allowed to write in the booklet or on the front of the answer sheet. Make sure you use the back of the answer sheet wisely, cuz you will have to rub out some of your working out if you run out of space which will cost valuable time. Split the page into sections and work downwards or something.  AHA nah man, I dont stand a chance in getting in. Year 10 entrance is hella competitive as more than 100 kids are competing for 2 or 3 spots. Thas why you should do you damn best to get in through year 9 entrance as the intake is pretty big. Thanks doe. Best wishes

Are alot of people trying out from your school? Also, if you have any other questions pls ask, even though I was not successful in getting in, I'll see if I can help.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Rawwggzz123 on June 12, 2019, 11:06:31 pm
AYY MAN OMG. I'm not 100% sure if it will be creative for you guys doe. I'm really not certain, cuz creative is just what the year 10 entrance people got, it could be different for you. You actually do not get any working out paper and you have to use the back of your answer sheet. I know it's a pain. You are obviously not allowed to write in the booklet or on the front of the answer sheet. Make sure you use the back of the answer sheet wisely, cuz you will have to rub out some of your working out if you run out of space which will cost valuable time. Split the page into sections and work downwards or something.  AHA nah man, I dont stand a chance in getting in. Year 10 entrance is hella competitive as more than 100 kids are competing for 2 or 3 spots. Thas why you should do you damn best to get in through year 9 entrance as the intake is pretty big. Thanks doe. Best wishes

Are alot of people trying out from your school? Also, if you have any other questions pls ask, even though I was not successful in getting in, I'll see if I can help.
im pretty sure the year 10 entrance exam had like 200 kids competing for like 30 spots
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: ProbotMelbourne on June 13, 2019, 08:30:31 am
AYY MAN OMG. I'm not 100% sure if it will be creative for you guys doe. I'm really not certain, cuz creative is just what the year 10 entrance people got, it could be different for you. You actually do not get any working out paper and you have to use the back of your answer sheet. I know it's a pain. You are obviously not allowed to write in the booklet or on the front of the answer sheet. Make sure you use the back of the answer sheet wisely, cuz you will have to rub out some of your working out if you run out of space which will cost valuable time. Split the page into sections and work downwards or something.  AHA nah man, I dont stand a chance in getting in. Year 10 entrance is hella competitive as more than 100 kids are competing for 2 or 3 spots. Thas why you should do you damn best to get in through year 9 entrance as the intake is pretty big. Thanks doe. Best wishes

Are alot of people trying out from your school? Also, if you have any other questions pls ask, even though I was not successful in getting in, I'll see if I can help.
If 4 people r trying from my class, I suppose a lot are trying from my school lol. Hope you get in! I’ll hop on here if I have more questions, thanks.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Rocket Boy1 on June 13, 2019, 08:41:56 am
Do you remember any other words from verbal.
And what was the phrases and the quote for creative
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Louis23 on June 13, 2019, 09:17:18 am
Do you remember the kind of questions in numerical reasoning and maths. For comp was the passage long. BTW i am trying out for nossal

cheers
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 13, 2019, 12:29:25 pm
im pretty sure the year 10 entrance exam had like 200 kids competing for like 30 spots

 Nah they said that it depends on the available vacancies. If no one moves from the year 9 class then no one will get in. I think minimum 28 people get in to Melbourne high but thats just Melbourne high and macrob. Nossal doesn't follow those rules. NOT sure doe, you could be right.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 13, 2019, 04:11:43 pm
Do you remember the kind of questions in numerical reasoning and maths. For comp was the passage long. BTW i am trying out for nossal

cheers
Ummm, for numerical there was alot of patterns and algebra word problems. Tbh the year 10 numerical reasoning was way easier than the year 9 entrance one for us. Maths, i remember there was this question which asked you to find the distance between two points. So i say its best to learn the distance formula, midpoint formula and all that real quick. As I mentioned before, Maths was quite difficult for us last year but not sure  how it will be for you guys. Honestly, the type of questions you'll get for numerical is quite unexpected. For the Maths paper, i remember just having some simple multiplying 3 fractions and just some basic algebra questions on the first page but it got way harder by each question. Just be confident with factorizing, expanding, doing simultaneous equations and all that.

For numerical, there will be some really huge and time consuming questions in the middle of the paper that you might know how to do. But honestly, if it takes you more than a minute, just move on. I remember spending more than 2 minutes on this one question last year and ended up not even getting an answer similar to the given answers. smh I honeslty can't help you much with these type of tests, cuz its really unexpected. Just quickly do some speed, distance and time worded problems and some patterns.
Maybe just try some of these. I dont know doe. sorryy.
http://www.lofoya.com/Aptitude-Questions-and-Answers/Time-Speed-and-Distance/l1p1

Make sure you know how to work with ratios and probability. I can guarantee you that there will be a probability question in numerical reasoning. Probability was an absolute dick to me, never understood it, sigh

Also remember, time management is vital for exams like these.
For the reading comp, there weren't any really big passages, surprisingly. There was like one i think, but most of the passages were short, but it took me time to understand everything(probably because I'm dumb as shit) I dont really remember much cuz its almost been a year but yeh. Sorry, I wasn't much help but just be as calm as you can be cuz nerves will seriously impact your results,  you'll be fine.  ;)
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Louis23 on June 13, 2019, 04:51:16 pm
For numerical are their questions like 2 cars are going which time would they meet at the same place like speed Ditance time questions
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 13, 2019, 05:08:12 pm
Do you remember any other words from verbal.
And what was the phrases and the quote for creative

For the year 10 entrance, it was  a picture of the inside of a building that looked quite old and fancy. The phrase was something along the lines of some figures dressed in olden day clothing and moving around the building. Also about some science equipment been scattered across the room? There was also this other quote , it was like
"Welcome to the hall!" boomed a voice out of nowhere. " I'm glad you have finally come home"

---- I'm really sorry guys, It was quite a confusing prompt.There was alot of prompts and quotes thrown at us.  I can't remember that well even though i did it yesterday aha. sorryyy.

For the year 9 entrance last year we got a picture of a train station and we got a phrase which i forgot. soz.
The persuasive piece was "Should we use electrical cars?" ---- something along those lines, aha my bad, i can't remember that well.

Umm for verbal reasoning, there was alot of syllogisms, logic questions and we also got some of those questions where you had to say who came first or who came second.
 For example:
In last years Brown-bird cookies selling contest in my class, I sold more cookies than Ross. Cathy sold more than Ross and me, but did not sell as much as Niles. Who among us, sold the least number of cookies?
A. Myself
B. Ross
C. Cathy
D. None
Answer - B
Obviously it might not be that easy but those are some types of questions you'll get. You might also get those foreign language questions and synonym questions like shown below:

urdonungoo means dramatic film
naranbaton means fiction book
urdonwalla means dramatic story
Which word could mean  'story book'?
A. batonwalla
B. naranurdon
C. Ungoowalla
D. wallabaton
E. none of these
Answer - D

You might also get questions like these:
Criminal is to illicit as:
A. Delinquent is to outrageous
B. Prisoner is to convict
C. Scandalous is to disgraceful
D. Felony is to crime
E. None of these
Answer - C

or even questions like these:
A synonym for LACKLUSTRE is:
A) Glowing
B) Uninspired
C) Unimportant
D) Bright
E) None of these
Answer - B

Lily and tom have three children -- Alex, Bert and Coraline. Bert is married to Florence but has no children. Coraline and Alex are married to Liam and Tina respectively. The latter pair have two children - Tyler and Yasmin. The former pair are parents to Harry. What is Yasmin's relationship to Florence?
A) Aunt
B) Mother
C) Cousin
D) Niece
E) None of these

Idk guys, there's not much I can tell yous cuz the style of questions in the exam can vary. Those are the most common types of questions to be present in the exam but for you guys it might be completely different. Logic and vocabulary is probably the most important for these type of questions. Since yall only have two days left, just relax. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be.

MY BIGGEST TIP FOR YOU RIGHT NOW is to think only about passing. Don't think about anything else. seriously, cuz since you only have two more days left, stay as positive and calm as you can possibly be. AND YOU ARE NOT TO GIVE UP AT ANY MOMENT DURING THE EXAM. IF YOU THINK YOU DID BAD ON ONE TEST,  FORGET IT AND TRY HARDER FOR THE NEXT TEST. (as cringey as it sounds, you seriously need to be positive at all times) All the best and I really hope all of yous will get in!

Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 13, 2019, 05:18:04 pm
For numerical are their questions like 2 cars are going which time would they meet at the same place like speed Ditance time questions

Yes, most likely there will be speed, distance and time questions. I don't exactly remember getting those car questions but I did do a lot of them during practice exams so I think it will be good to know those. Also know how to work with RATIOS AND PROBABILITY.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Louis23 on June 13, 2019, 05:38:55 pm
May you please send a probability and ratio question please.


Thank you so much sorry for bothering you.
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Evolio on June 13, 2019, 05:49:22 pm
Quote
Given that we have less than 3 days before we sit the test, is there any valuable advice in terms of study, relaxation or general tips that any past test sitters can give for us?

Personally I've been relaxing pretty much for this whole 'pre-exam' period. I don't think cramming and studying hard will serve much use this late in the game.
Hello!
So, going way back to when I sat the exam, I remember being in a meditative mindset where I wasn't too stressed or too excited. I just felt emotionless. If you are able to get into this mindset, I suggest you do so because it is crucial that you are not stressing out or are feeling so many emotions at once as that can really throw you off when you start the exam. A clear mind is good because you can really focus and concentrate.
Also, do NOT have a negative attitude on the day. This can alter your exam performance. Stay focused on the task at hand and be mindful. Have a positive attitude but not an overly confident one.

It would also be wise to redo any questions you got wrong or you struggled with. These may be from the practice tests or trial exams you have done. This will help ensure that you have understood why you made that mistake so that you don't make the same mistake again. Keep redoing questions again and again until you get them correct.
Also, I suggest thoroughly revising all the questions that you have been exposed to.

For the writing, use your planning time wisely as this is where all your ideas are generated and where brainstorming takes place. Make a well-thought out plan so that you do not waste any time during writing time and you are able to quickly write the actual essay.

Also, it would be good to make sure you know all the general math formulas in case a question comes up.

I wish you the best for the exam! I know you will smash it!
 :)
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: I don\'t know on June 13, 2019, 06:08:04 pm
May you please send a probability and ratio question please.


Thank you so much sorry for bothering you.

No It's absolutely fine,, i'm more than happy to help.  :)

Two coins are tossed, find the probability that two heads are obtained.
Answer - 1/4

Paul flips two coins and then rolls a dice with six sides. What is the probability that he gets two heads and a 5 or a 3?
Answer - 1/12

Ratio questions:
A fruit drink called Fruto is sold in cartons. Fruto is made from orange and mango juice. The ratio of orange juice to mango juice is 3:2. If a carton of Fruto contains a volume of 250 cm3 , find the volume of orange juice in a carton of Fruto:
Answer - 150 cm3

Tropica is a another fruit juice made from lemon, lime and grape fruit juice. The ratio of lemon juice to lime juice to grapefruit juice is 1: 2: 5. The volume of grapefruit in the fruit juice is 200 cm3. Find the volume of Tropica in a carton:
Answer - 320 cm3

Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Chandied on June 13, 2019, 11:03:41 pm
In either creative and persuasive essays what are simple, but normally made mistakes?
This may seem like an easy question to answer myself but I suck horribly at essay stuff.  :-[
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Louis23 on June 14, 2019, 07:39:11 am
Can you please send me some maths questions that were on the test. Like from most of the topics. Maybe send the hard ones you found in last years test
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Evolio on June 14, 2019, 05:52:55 pm
In either creative and persuasive essays what are simple, but normally made mistakes?
This may seem like an easy question to answer myself but I suck horribly at essay stuff.  :-[
Hi!
For both writings, you need to effectively use your planning time well so you know exactly what you're going to write about.
For creative, I guess you need to make sure you are SHOWING instead of TELLING. This means describing the thing instead of just explicitly saying it. You can do this using metaphors, similes and imagery.
Another thing is that your creative should have a general plot so that it has a structure that flows really well.You don't want to be rambling and talking nonsense for the whole time. There has to be plot development. Make sure that you have some sort of structure to your writing. This includes orientation, complication and resolution. This just makes sure that the story flows and is not disjointed.
Also, try to use other words other than 'said'. Use muttered, replied, questioned, mumbled.

For analytical, make sure you know what you are going to write in each of your paragraphs in planning time.
Also, make sure you use evidence well and you integrate it well. You need to explain your evidence and connect it to the topic so that the examiner knows exactly what you're talking about in relation to the topic. Linking is crucial.

Those are the general tips I can think of.
I will update if I have any more suggestions.
I hope this helped!
 ;D
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Louis23 on June 14, 2019, 06:05:41 pm
Hi!
For both writings, you need to effectively use your planning time well so you know exactly what you're going to write about.
For creative, I guess you need to make sure you are SHOWING instead of TELLING. This means describing the thing instead of just explicitly saying it. You can do this using metaphors, similes and imagery.
Another thing is that your creative should have a general plot so that it has a structure that flows really well.You don't want to be rambling and talking nonsense for the whole time. There has to be plot development. Make sure that you have some sort of structure to your writing. This includes orientation, complication and resolution. This just makes sure that the story flows and is not disjointed.
Also, try to use other words other than 'said'. Use muttered, replied, questioned, mumbled.

For analytical, make sure you know what you are going to write in each of your paragraphs in planning time.
Also, make sure you use evidence well and you integrate it well. You need to explain your evidence and connect it to the topic so that the examiner knows exactly what you're talking about in relation to the topic. Linking is crucial.

Those are the general tips I can think of.
I will update if I have any more suggestions.
I hope this helped!
 ;D


thanks
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: Evolio on June 14, 2019, 06:51:02 pm

thanks
All good.

Hi everyone!
Best of luck for the selective exam tomorrow!
Just keep calm and do your best. That's all you can really do!
 :)
Title: Re: Pre-Selective School Exam Advice
Post by: ngupta on June 15, 2019, 05:23:53 pm
Hi, I just wanted to know what is the format of the boxhill high school seal exam and what are the best coachings and where can I get past papers from?